Book Details

About This Book

Set up the best computing environment with IPython Notebook, SymPy, and all your favorite Python libraries

Learn how to streamline your computations with computer algebra

Compile symbolic expressions into efficient numerical functions

Who This Book Is For

This book is for Python developers. A good grounding in Python is assumed, as well as a bit of familiarity with its scientific ecosystem.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Instant SymPy Starter

So, what is SymPy?

Installation

Quick start – Automated curve sketching

Top 5 features you'll want to know about

People and places you should get to know

What You Will Learn

Translating mathematical expressions into SymPy objects

Compiling symbolic expressions into numerical functions

Computing exact derivatives and Taylor expansions automatically

Getting exact results for complicated integrals

Solving systems of equations

In Detail

Symbolic computation is the use of algorithms and software to perform exact calculations on symbolic mathematical expressions. It has traditionally been the preserve of monolithic computer algebra systems. SymPy puts its power within easy reach of all Python programmers, just an import statement away.

Instant SymPy Starter is an introduction to the exciting world of symbolic computation in Python. With hands-on examples and practical advice, you will learn everything you need to integrate SymPy into your workflow and to make the best use of its functionalities.

This book will guide you on your journey with SymPy, from setting up your development environment to integrating SymPy into your workflow, with many useful tips. You will see how to set up a powerful environment for both symbolic and numerical computations inside IPython Notebook, and learn how to efficiently employ symbolic computation in your numerical calculations. You can follow the examples along on your own system as all the code is available in downloadable IPython notebooks. If you have never used IPython before, you should consider this as the perfect occasion to start.

Authors

Ronan Lamy

To obtain his Ph.D. in Physics, Ronan Lamy spent four years analyzing data in a proprietary computer algebra system. This taught him the power of symbolic computation. After quitting academia, and losing access to all his work, he discovered the beauty of Python and understood, a little late, the benefits of using a well-designed, general-purpose programming language with a free license.

He is now an open source developer and Python consultant, and remains fascinated by symbolic computation. He has been a core developer of SymPy since 2009.

Alerts & Offers

Series & Level

We understand your time is important. Uniquely amongst the major publishers, we seek to develop and publish the broadest range of learning and information products on each technology. Every Packt product delivers a specific learning pathway, broadly defined by the Series type. This structured approach enables you to select the pathway which best suits your knowledge level, learning style and task objectives.

Learning

As a new user, these step-by-step tutorial guides will give you all the practical skills necessary to become competent and efficient.

Beginner's Guide

Friendly, informal tutorials that provide a practical introduction using examples, activities, and challenges.

Essentials

Fast paced, concentrated introductions showing the quickest way to put the tool to work in the real world.

Cookbook

A collection of practical self-contained recipes that all users of the technology will find useful for building more powerful and reliable systems.

Blueprints

Guides you through the most common types of project you'll encounter, giving you end-to-end guidance on how to build your specific solution quickly and reliably.

Mastering

Take your skills to the next level with advanced tutorials that will give you confidence to master the tool's most powerful features.

Starting

Accessible to readers adopting the topic, these titles get you into the tool or technology so that you can become an effective user.

Progressing

Building on core skills you already have, these titles share solutions and expertise so you become a highly productive power user.